Richard Cardinal: Cry from a Diary of a Métis Child

Directed by Alanis Obomsawin

Canada, 1986 (documentary / fiction, 29 minutes, colour, English)

Also known as "Richard Cardinal : le cri d'un enfant métis"

Richard Cardinal: Cry from a Diary of a
Métis Child

Image: © National Film Board of Canada

Video (National Film Board of Canada)

Film Description:
"A moving tribute to Richard Cardinal, a Métis adolescent who committed suicide in 1984. He had been taken from his home at the age of four because of family problems, and spent the rest of his seventeen short years moving in and out of twenty-eight foster homes, group homes and shelters in Alberta. A sensitive, articulate young man, Richard Cardinal left behind a diary upon which this film is based."
-- National Film Board of Canada (source)

Film Credits (partial):
Written by:	Alanis Obomsawin
Produced by:	Alanis Obomsawin, Marrin Canell, Robert Verrall, Andy Thomson
Principal Cast:	Pauline Kerik, Leslie Miller, Betty Smith, Cory Swan
Film Editing:	Rita Roy
Music:	Dario Domingues
Production Company:	National Film Board of Canada / Office national du film du Canada

(sources)

Quote by the Director

"I want people who look at the film to have a different attitude next time they meet what is called a problem child and develop some love and some relationship to the child, instead of alienating him."
-- Alanis Obomsawin (source)

Quotes about Richard Cardinal: Cry from a Diary of a Métis Child

"With its retrospective narrative structure, compelling imagery, and persistent questioning of the treatment that Richard received the film [Richard Cardinal: Cry from a Diary of a Métis Child] reveals the systemic inadequacy and racism of child welfare policies."
-- Zuzana Pick (source)

"[In Richard Cardinal: Cry From A Diary Of A Métis Child] the trust that Alanis [Obomsawin] builds with Charlie Cardinal and the two foster families is kindness embodied. It is something special she has in her interviews—she truly listens, and the people know that. Sometimes she is the first person who has listened, and they know they're safe in the sharing of their stories. This is the rare strength of a true documentary filmmaker who understands the powers of word and story."
-- Loretta Todd (source)

Bibliography for Richard Cardinal: Cry from a Diary of a Métis Child

Book Chapters

Todd, Loretta. "Richard Cardinal: Cry From A Diary Of A Métis Child." In Alanis Obomsawin: Lifework, edited by Richard William Hill and Hila Peleg, 132-141. Munich: Prestel, 2022. 'This book accompanies the exhibition The Children Have to Hear Another Story—Alanis Obomsawin: Haus der Kulturen der Welt, Berlin, January 23-April 18, 2022; Vancouver Art Gallery, Spring 2023; Art Museum at the University of Toronto, Summer 2023'. [exhibition catalogue]

Brief Sections of Books

Lewis, Randolph. Alanis Obomsawin: The Vision of a Native Filmmaker. American Indian Lives. Lincoln: University of Nebraska Press, 2006. (pp. 53-55)

Articles from Newspapers, Magazines, or News Websites

Nelson, Joyce. "Richard Cardinal: Cry from a Diary of a Métis Child." Review of Richard Cardinal: Cry from a Diary of a Métis Child. Cinema Canada, December 1986.

Web Sites about Richard Cardinal: Cry from a Diary of a Métis Child

National Film Board of Canada. "NFB -- Richard Cardinal: Cry from a Diary of a Métis Child." National Film Board of Canada. http://nfb.ca/trouverunfilm/fichefilm.php?id=16327&v=h&lg=en&exp=.
Office national du film du Canada. "ONF -- Richard Cardinal : le cri d'un enfant métis." Office national du film du Canada. http://nfb.ca/trouverunfilm/fichefilm.php?id=3849&v=h&lg=fr&exp=. [in French]